NINE teenagers who saved their friend from drowning have been awarded a prestigious commendation from Ormskirk Police for their bravery.

The boys, who are all pupils at Tarleton High School, were presented with their awards by the High Sheriff for Lancashire, Colonel Alan Jolley at the school yesterday.

The terrifying incident happened on January 1 when the group were playing football on a field on Guide Road, Hesketh Bank.

During the game the boys kicked the football onto a reservoir which had frozen over. One of the boys, 14-year-old Nathan Rigby went onto the ice to get the ball and when the ice gave way Nathan fell into the 15ft deep, freezing water.

As Nathan struggled to get out of the water his friends formed a human chain and made a rope out of clothing to help pull Nathan to safety.

Sgt Craig Appleton from Ormskirk Police commented: “Nathan is apparently not a good swimmer and from the accounts given by his friends he was drowning in the water.

“The quick thinking action by his friends saved Nathan’s life and this commendation is well deserved.

“After being pulled from the water Nathan's friends described him as shaking, looking very cold and not being able to speak.

“One of the group phoned Nathan's mother, who is a first responder with the Ambulance Service. She attended and conducted basic first aid before taking Nathan to hospital, where he was checked and eventually given a clean bill of health.” The nine boys who received awards were Nathan Rigby, Stephen Biggs, Joseph Caunce, Ryan Holmes, Jack Hunt, James Raper, all 14 and Stuart McMonagle, Stephen Cannon and Jack Newman, all 15.